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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

Florida Today reports that meetings this week will explore the possibility of privatizing some or all operations at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Eastern Range.

Under a preliminary concept to be discussed in a public forum Thursday and Friday in Colorado Springs, responsibilities now handled by the 45th Space Wing would be turned over to a spaceport operator approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

"The Air Force wants to understand issues associated with transitioning current government range operations at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to a commercial spaceport," reads an invitation sent to local officials.

Air Force Space Command's meeting announcement and a five-page concept summary stamped "PREDECISONAL" make clear that the study might not result in any action. If the concept were adopted — a process likely to take years — it's not yet clear if it could dramatically reshape Cape launch operations or simply provide existing services more efficiently.

Jim Behling

Hey, about time. KSC should be included.

This might have an impact on preservation of certain facilities. Any facility without a use or tenant is going to have a hard time getting maintenance from a commercial operator. Somebody is going to have to pay for it.

Robert Pearlman

On the other hand, a commercial operator could make access to the historic sites easier for tour operators and could potentially enhance the funding opportunities for preservation.

For example, the Air Force cannot be party to any crowd-funding campaign, but a commercial operator could accept public funds, or partner with an organization that does the same.

It is really too early to say if this will help or hinder, as it will rely on the nature of the agreement and how much control the Air Force relinquishes.

stargazerken73

I am pretty ignorant on this subject, what advantages does privatization have over the current system?